When a storm is coming, a crane needs a plan for before, during, and after — and the plan has to be made long before the forecast. High wind can overturn a crane, drive a tower past its limits, or turn loose rigging into a projectile. A little preparation keeps the gear safe and gets you back to work fast once the weather clears. Here is how to get ready, what to do as the storm hits, and why the post-storm inspection is not optional.
We are 3P Safety Inspections, a third-party crane inspection company working all 50 states. Every inspector is NCCCO-certified. We inspect to OSHA and the ASME B30 codes, and we do not sell or rent cranes — so our reports just give you the facts.
Before the Storm — Secure the Crane
Once a storm is in the forecast, secure each crane the way the manufacturer requires:
- Lower and stow booms per the manual
- Set tower cranes to weathervane (free-slew) if required
- Reduce or remove jib and boom length where specified
- Tie down or remove loose gear and tools
- Pull, store, and protect rigging and slings
- Document the crane’s condition before the storm
- Confirm the wind-speed plan and shutdown thresholds
Know the Wind Limits
Every crane has an in-service and an out-of-service wind rating, and they are not the same. Lifts stop at the in-service limit. The crane is secured for the out-of-service limit. For tower cranes especially, the weathervane setting lets the jib turn freely with the wind instead of fighting it. Knowing these numbers — and the maker’s storm procedure — before the season starts is what makes the day-of decisions fast and safe.
During the Storm
The rule during high wind is simple: keep people clear of the cranes. No lifts happen once wind passes the rated in-service limit, and no one should be working at height or near a crane that is riding out a storm. The safest move is to stop work early, secure the gear, and let the crane weather the storm exactly as the manufacturer specifies. A crane is replaceable. A crew is not.
After the Storm — Inspect Before Use
A crane must be inspected before it lifts again after a storm — OSHA and ASME both require it. A post-storm check covers:
- Structure, welds, and pins for damage or movement
- Wire rope, sheaves, and reeving
- Electrical and control systems for water intrusion
- Footing, mats, and the ground around the crane
- Outriggers, level, and any settling or shift
- Safety devices, limits, and operator aids
- Tower sections, anchors, and ties, on tower cranes
Why the Post-Storm Check Matters
OSHA 1926.1412 and ASME B30 both call for an inspection after any event that could damage a crane, and a hurricane or severe storm is exactly that. Wind can loosen a connection, water can get into controls, and flooding can undermine footing — damage that is not always obvious from the cab. A documented post-storm inspection is what lets the crane go back to work on a clean record, and it protects you if a problem surfaces later.
We turn post-storm checks around fast so you lose as little time as possible.
Build the Plan Before the Season
The worst time to figure out your storm procedure is the day before landfall. Before hurricane season, put the wind limits, the securing steps, and the post-storm inspection contact in writing for each crane, and make sure the crew knows them. We help coastal and storm-region operators build that plan and stand ready for the fast post-storm inspection that gets you back to work.
Crane Inspection Frequency at a Glance
| Inspection | How Often | Who Performs It | What It Covers | Record Kept? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-shift / Daily | Before each shift or use | Competent person (often the operator) | Controls, brakes, wire rope, hooks, leaks, tires or tracks, safety devices | Good practice |
| Monthly | Every 30 days | Competent person | Wire rope along its length, hooks and latches, hoist brakes | Yes — signed and dated |
| Frequent | Daily to monthly, by service class | Competent person | Running gear and high-wear items per ASME B30 | Per your program |
| Annual / Periodic | Every 12 months | Qualified person | The full machine: structure, welds, sheaves, drums, hydraulics, controls | Yes — full written report |
| After an event | After a repair, modification, storm, or idle period | Qualified person | The affected systems, before the crane returns to service | Yes |
The Standards Behind These Checks
Every report names the rule behind each find:
- OSHA 1926.1412 — cranes on construction sites
- OSHA 1910.179 and 1910.180 — cranes in plants
- ASME B30.5, B30.3, and B30.2 — mobile, tower, and overhead cranes
- ASME B30.9 through B30.26 — slings and rigging hardware
- ANSI A92 — aerial work platforms
- EM 385-1-1 — federal and military job sites
What You Get in Your Report
You walk away with proof you can file:
- A clear PDF report with photos
- Each finding tied to a photo and a rule
- Severity ratings you can act on
- A spreadsheet you can load into your CMMS
- A signed record for your files
Why Owners Pick 3P Safety Inspections
We answer to the standard, not a sales team. We hit our times and skip the jargon. You know the cost before we start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare a crane for a hurricane?
Lower and stow booms per the manual, set tower cranes to weathervane if required, reduce boom or jib length where specified, tie down or remove loose gear, pull and store rigging, document the crane’s condition, and confirm the wind-speed shutdown plan — all before the storm arrives.
What are crane wind limits?
Every crane has an in-service wind rating (lifts stop above it) and a higher out-of-service rating (the crane is secured for it). Tower cranes use a weathervane setting so the jib turns freely with the wind. Know the maker’s numbers before the season.
Does a crane need inspection after a storm?
Yes. OSHA 1926.1412 and ASME B30 both require an inspection after any event that could damage the crane. A hurricane or severe storm qualifies, and the crane must be checked before it lifts again.
What does a post-storm crane inspection cover?
Structure, welds, and pins. Wire rope and sheaves. Electrical and controls for water intrusion. Footing and the ground around the crane. Outriggers and level. Safety devices. And tower sections, anchors, and ties on tower cranes.
What should happen to a crane during a hurricane?
Keep people clear. No lifts above the in-service wind limit, and no one working at height or near the crane. Secure the gear per the manufacturer and let the crane ride out the storm as specified.
Why is the post-storm inspection so important?
Wind can loosen connections, water can get into controls, and flooding can undermine footing — damage that is not obvious from the cab. A documented post-storm inspection returns the crane to work on a clean record and protects you if a problem surfaces later.
When should I build a crane storm plan?
Before the season — not the day before landfall. Put the wind limits, securing steps, and post-storm inspection contact in writing for each crane and make sure the crew knows them.
Do you provide fast post-storm crane inspections?
Yes. We support coastal and storm-region operators with storm planning and quick-turnaround post-storm inspections, in all 50 states, so you lose as little time as possible.
Authoritative References
OSHA 1910.179 — Overhead & Gantry CranesThe official standard, straight from the source.Visit source about OSHA 1910.179 — Overhead & Gantry Cranes
ASME B30 — Safety Standard for Cranes & RiggingThe official standard, straight from the source.Visit source about ASME B30 — Safety Standard for Cranes & Rigging
NCCCO — Crane Operator & Inspector CertificationThe official standard, straight from the source.Visit source about NCCCO — Crane Operator & Inspector Certification